Five months after Kenya's post-election riots, a CMS missionary says the effects of the violence are hidden but apparent.
CMS missionary to Kenya, Noel Clarke, says the impact of 800 deaths and over 300,000 displaced peoples during the riots has taken its toll on the population.
"As you walk through the pleasant parts of Nairobi, past expensive blocks of units behind razor wire and electric fences, you wouldn't even be aware that just a few months ago those same streets were filled with tear gas and police in riot gear," he says.
"Many have seen their friends and neighbours killed or their houses burnt down."
Mr Clarke says the full misery of the tragedy is felt in the internally displaced persons' camp.
"The government has just announced a huge budget for resettling the 350,000 people displaced from their homes and farms " which has led to stories of pretend refugees crowding into the camps so that they can get some of these benefits for themselves," he says.
There are other hidden effects, according to Mr Clarke, particularly of an emotional and psychological nature.
"There are the children who witnessed all sorts of horrors who jump at the slightest noise, who are frightened of the nights and cling to their parents," Mr Clarke says.
"I'm concerned about the long-term effects on those who witnessed so many dreadful things, and about those who carry guilt because of what they did."
Mr Clarke says Christians effectively served their community in the midst of the violence.
"The most effective help that churches gave during the riots was in reaching out to those being persecuted, often at great personal risk," Mr Clarke says.
"Many churches became refuges for those who were driven from their homes; individual Christians helped others escape or hide, or carried some of their belongings out of the affected areas. Families gave shelter and helped displaced people start from nothing to set up home again."
Mr Clarke says Christians have also taken the first steps in building bridges across tribal barriers.
"I heard of a church in Kibera where members of one tribe occupied the houses of church members from another tribe who were being driven out of the area, and looked after them until the original occupants could safely return," he says.
Mr Clarke says there are also ongoing efforts to re-establish businesses and schools.
"We keep on praying for there are still enormous wounds and it is only Christ who gives a real basis for forgiveness," he says.
